About Me

 "The Story Behind Changing Purses"

Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.

My name is The Navigatrix, and I’m the heart and voice behind Changing Purses. Let me be clear from the start: I am no Mother Teresa. I’m just someone who believes deeply that no one should have to navigate a new country alone.

The name "Changing Purses" came to me one afternoon after a small, significant moment. I was in a bustling Parisian boulangerie, fumbling through my bag for the correct change. In that moment of minor frustration, it hit me: moving to a new country isn’t just about changing your currency. It’s about changing your entire frame of reference—your habits, your language, and the very way you move through the world. It’s about learning to carry a new version of yourself.

My own journey in France began after a series of visits that turned into a love affair with Paris. I experienced first-hand the thrilling highs and the frustrating, often lonely, lows of building a life abroad.

I’ve felt the confusion of deciphering official documents, the anxiety of visa appointments, and the simple longing for a familiar face. But I’ve also experienced the incredible joy of small victories: my first flawless French conversation, the discovery of a perfect local market, and the profound sense of belonging that eventually comes.

This blog is my way of reaching out a hand to those following a similar path. Whether you are an expat here for love or work, a student starting an adventure, or a refugee seeking safety and a new beginning, this is a place for you. Here, we swap stories, share practical tips that actually work, and build a community where no question is too small.

Changing Purses is built on a simple belief: with a little guidance and a lot of solidarity, anyone can find their footing and thrive in France.

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your journey.

With warmth and solidarity,

The Navigatrix